LiYF advances patent-pending 2G bioethanol technology

LiYF, a Swiss-based clean-tech startup developing second-generation (2G) bioethanol, has successfully achieved Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6) for its patent-pending process that improves production efficiency, reduces operating costs and increases ethanol yield.

The process uses agricultural and forestry waste as feedstock to produce high-purity, fuel-grade ethanol to support low-carbon fuel needs in road, aviation and maritime transport sectors.

LiYF’s approach introduces several process-level innovations aimed at improving cost-efficiency and sustainability including a 70% reduction in feedstock costs using agricultural waste.

Its Ultrasonic Baffled Hydrothermal (UBH) Reactor cuts pretreatment energy consumption by up to 20%, besides formation of inhibitors compounds for yeast fermentation.

CCH Hydrolysis system reduces enzyme use by up to five times.

Passive LCS cooling system reduces energy needs with no compressors or water pumps.

These innovations combine to reduce total production costs by 20–30% compared to standard 2G bioethanol processes. Performance has been validated at TRL 6 with lab-scale functional prototypes.

“Our team has made important progress in addressing core technical and economic challenges in second-generation bioethanol,” said Hangama Wanner, CEO of LiYF. “Having reached TRL 6, we are now focused on building our proprietary equipment and completing our engineering concept designs for the pilot plant.

“We invite researchers, investors, and strategic collaborators to explore potential synergies with us.”